Improvement in abdominal and spinal supporters



J c. ZACH 0S improvement in Abdominal an d- Spinal Supporters.

No, 129,202, Pafenfed]uly16,1872.

U ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Jon 0. ZAGHOS, on NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN ABDOMINAL AND SPINAL SUPPORTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 129,202, dated July 16,1872.

SPECIFICATION.

I, J. O. ZAOHOS, of the city of New York, in the county and State of NewYork, have invented certain Improvements in Abdominal and SpinalSupporters, of which the following is the specification:

Object and Nature of the Invention.

Description of Drawing.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view. of my improved abdomino-spinalsupporter and spinal extensor, seen almost fiom the front; and Fig. 2 isa side view of the same.

General Description.

A is my pelvic band, which is composed of two sheets of metal,(preferably copper,) cut of the proper shape and jointed together by thesliding sleeve a and nut and screw B, which permits of adjusting theband to the size of the body. The band A is fitted exactly around thebody of the patient in the region of the pelvis, and by makingdepressions, G, and elevations, D, in the metal the said band is made tobear on the soft and muscular parts of the body, and not onthe prominentpoints of the pelvic bones. The band A has two parts, R, extending, inthe shape of rockers, below the body of the patient when he sits down,whereby the weight of the band A is brought to rest upon the chair, thusrelieving in great measure the pressure on the pelvis. The front part ofthe band A extends downward, and it is provided with holes, top andbottom, so that by giving more tension to the uniting ligaments, eitherbetween the holes T T or P P,

the band A may be made to exert its action upon the lower part of theabdomen in an inward and upward manner, to act as an abdominalsupporter. The pelvic band, to be used as a spinal supporter or spinalextensor, is provided with crutches, G G, which are so mounted uponslotted standards, E and F,

sliding one on the other and retained in posi tion by the pieces f andbolts 9, as to be ex tended or shortened at pleasure, and be permanentlyfastened when required. H is a belt of metal closing in front of thechest of the patient by top and bottom ligatures at h h Operation.

The band A rests with a broad surface and by a lateral pressure on theside, and not on the top of the pelvis, thus furnishing a surface ofresistance, and not resting on a line or on points. It is adjustedentirely below the brim of the pelvis, and its action on the lower partof the abdomen, on which it presses upward and inward, renders it acomplete abdominal supporter. Its use for extension and traction of thespine in cases of spinal curvature is by means of the crutches G, givingsupport to the shoulders. When the crutches are extended they can bemade to lift the shoulders above the natural level, and an effort tobring the shoulders down exerts a strong pressure through the crutchesupon the pelvic band, thus pushing the pelvis down and away from theshoulders, and the tractile force is brought on the spine. Thisoperation is greatly facilitated by laying the patient on the back. Anycontinuous and strong pressure upon the pelvis, such as would be usefulin extending the spine, can be made endurable only by the broad surfaceand exact fit and adaptation of the band A, and the same qualities makeit useful as a support to the lower abdomen and to what is called a weakback. The band H is intended as an auxiliary to the crutches, as asupport to the body in sitting and standin'g, being pushed up to a snugplace and being then fastened to the standard; but it has also anindependent function in producing the restoration of symmetry in thecurved spine by a gentle and continuous pressure on the displaced ribsand breast-bone. The bands A and H, as well as the crutches, may becovered in any desirable manner to suit any taste or purpose.

Claim.

The abdominal and spinal supporter herein described consisting of theband A, having

